KEYS TO THE GAME
ST.LOUIS RAMS @ CHICAGO BEARS
Offense: Establish the Run
Since Matt Forte ran for 121 yards against the Detroit Lions in week 4, he is averaging only 13 carries, and 38 yards rushing. In the same period Forte has 33 catches for 341 yards in the passing game. St. Louis, like the Bears, have allowed 46 runs of 10+ yards, which ranks among the five highest totals in the league. Overall, the Rams are 28th in the NFL allowing 148.5 yards/game. A steady dose of Forte and rookie Khalil Bell will bring balance to the offense.
Defense: End The Third Down Nightmare
The crazy thing about the Bears 3rd down defense is that from 2004-through 2008, they led the NFL cumulatively allowing just a 32.2% conversion rate. This season, that is not the case. The Bears are 30th in the league, allowing a 45.5% conversion rate on a league hi 71 conversions. On 3rd and long, the Bears are last in the league(37.7%), all converted on 26 passes. The solution: A better pass rush, tighter coverage, takeaways, and execution.
Special Teams: Big Plays
Right now the best unit on the field for the Bears is Special Teams and this unit needs to continue to make plays. The return game of Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox has given the Bears outstanding field position, 2nd best in football. They are ranked 5th overall on special teams, and a kick or punt coverage takeaway would bring some momentum to the team. The Rams are ranked 29th on special teams, struggling covering punts, and they’ve given the ball away twice in the return game.
Intangibles: Quiet the Noise
After six losses in seven games, the Bears are under attack. There is building criticism and scrutiny of just about everything. If they do not play well against a 1-and-10 Rams team with a first-year head coach, Soldier Field will not feel like home. The best way to avoid that scenario is to come out fast, and play the best game of the season.
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